The first picture is the location on a 1.6, they have no pictures in the Haynes for a 1.8 but describe it as in the same location and the need to remove the air cleaner for access, so I'd assume that it's further forward towards the air box than on a 1.6.

Removing seems fine, but replacing without air leaks seems a another story.

the air leaks is easy - providing you assemble it correctly with a new seal. its priming the system that can be a pain. i found using a syringe to inject fuel is an easy way to purge the air from the filter housing.